Special Lecture by Professor Kim Jongyoung:
"Creating 10 Seoul National Universities"
A Vision for Balanced Regional Development
Pukyong National University (President Bae Sanghoon) has initiated a public discussion on the topic of "Creating 10 Seoul National Universities," which has recently emerged as a major issue in the academic community.
On June 18, Pukyong National University invited Professor Kim Jongyoung of Kyung Hee University to deliver a special lecture at the Pukyong Convention Hall, where discussions were held on the concentration of universities in the Seoul metropolitan area and the decline of regional universities. This special lecture was organized as part of the "2025 PKNU Education Innovation Forum" hosted by the Office of Educational Innovation at Pukyong National University.
In his lecture, Professor Kim proposed "Creating 10 Seoul National Universities" as a solution for balanced regional development. He pointed out the hierarchical structure of universities centered around the Seoul metropolitan area and the outflow of regional talent, and argued that research-oriented universities on par with Seoul National University should be distributed across different regions nationwide.
He cited Pukyong National University as a model for regional university innovation. According to the August 2024 disclosure by University Alimi, Pukyong National University recorded the highest research funding per full-time faculty member among universities in the Busan area, demonstrating its research competitiveness.
Professor Kim stated, "I propose merging Pukyong National University and Busan National University to create a 'Seoul National University of Busan.' The Pukyong campus, adjacent to Gwangalli, is an ideal location where students can both study and enjoy themselves, much like Hongdae in Seoul." He added, "A world-class university is essential for the revitalization of the region. Achieving this requires political determination, and it is the demands of citizens that must move the nation."
Pukyong National University plans to use this special lecture as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation among local governments, industry, academia, and research institutes, and to continue various efforts to enhance the competitiveness of regional universities.
President Bae Sanghoon said, "This special lecture will serve as a foundation for Pukyong National University to become the center of higher education innovation in the southeastern region," adding, "We will focus the university's capabilities on opening the future for universities in the Busan area."
Professor Kim Jongyoung is giving a special lecture on the theme of "Creating 10 Seoul National Universities."
Professor Kim Jongyoung is giving a special lecture on the theme of "Creating 10 Seoul National Universities."
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